Showerhead system

ABSTRACT

A showerhead system is provided. The showerhead system may provide a plurality of spray modes using a control mode selector located adjacent to a shower pipe. The showerhead system may also include an adjustment mechanism located near or about the shower pipe. The showerhead system may also have dual support structures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional application claimingpriority to co-pending provisional application 60/867,778 titled“Showerhead System,” filed on Nov. 29, 2006 and co-pending provisionalapplication 60/882,441 titled “Low Speed Pulsating Showerhead,” filed onDec. 28, 2006, which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety, as if fully described herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a showerhead system and moreparticularly to a showerhead system and a support structureconfiguration therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With an increase in the popularity of showers, the demand for showerheadassemblies has also increased. Over the years, some designs have beenused in certain showerhead assemblies. For example, one design mayinclude a control mode selector located adjacent to a head portion ofthe showerhead system. When a user actuates a control knob or lever totransition from a first spray mode to a second spray mode, the entireshowerhead system may be inadvertently repositioned. Another design ofsome showerhead assemblies may include placing an adjusting device usedto reposition a showerhead system relative to a connecting shower pipe.For example, some showerhead assemblies allow a user to reposition theshowerhead by placing the adjustment device at an elbow of a supportstructure or adjacent to a showerhead. However, the locations of theadjustment device itself often require adjustment of multiple pieces toreposition the showerhead or are located in ergonomically unfriendlypositions for a user. Still another design may result in some showerheadassemblies having a support structure that may not maintain a fixedposition of a showerhead system under high water pressures.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for a showerhead system thatprovides an improved support structure for a showerhead.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a showerhead system.The showerhead system may include a support structure and a showerheadcoupled to the support structure. The support structure may be adaptedto couple to a shower pipe to receive water flow therefrom. The supportstructure may include a control mode selector, a first fluid channel,and a second fluid channel. The control mode selector may actuatebetween a first position that directs the water flow to the first fluidchannel and a second position that directs the water flow to at leastthe second fluid channel. The showerhead system may receive anddistribute the water flow to a user in a first spray mode associatedwith the first fluid channel or a second spray mode associated with atleast the second fluid channel based on a selected position of thecontrol mode selector. Additionally, the control mode selector may belocated adjacent to the shower pipe such that it may be adjustablypositioned relative to the shower pipe.

In another embodiment, the showerhead system may include a body portionand a head portion coupled to one end of the body portion. The other endof the body portion may be coupled to a shower pipe to receive waterflow therefrom. The body portion may include a first support structureand a second support structure. At least one of the first supportstructure and the second support may include at least one fluid channelconfigured to receive and transport received water flow from the showerpipe. After the water flow is transported by the fluid channel, the headportion may receive the water flow to distribute to a user.

In still another embodiment, the showerhead system may include a headportion and a support structure having an adjustment mechanism. The headportion may receive water flow to distribute to a user. One end of thesupport structure may be coupled to the head portion; the other end ofthe support structure may be coupled to a shower pipe to receive thewater flow therefrom. The support structure may transport the water flowto the head portion. The adjustment mechanism may be located adjacent tothe shower pipe to allow pivotal movement along at least one axis of thesupport structure at the shower pipe. The adjustment mechanism may alsopositively lock the support structure in a user-adjusted positionrelative to the shower pipe about an axis.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary showerhead system.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the showerhead system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a control mode selector of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the control mode selector in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the control mode selector in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a global-sectional view of the control mode selector in FIG. 3along line 6-6.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the control mode selector in FIG. 6 alongline 7-7.

FIG. 8 is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selectorin FIG. 6 with the spool in a different position.

FIG. 9 is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selectorin FIG. 6 with the spool in a different position.

FIG. 10 is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selectorin FIG. 6 with the spool in a different position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anassembled control mode selector of the present invention

FIG. 12 is a side view of the control mode selector in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the control mode selector in FIG. 11

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a portion of the control mode selector inFIG. 12 along line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the control mode selector in FIG. 12along line 15-15 with a detent pin in a spray mode position.

FIG. 16 is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selectorin FIG. 12 with the detent pin in a different spray mode position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anadjustment device of the present invention

FIG. 18 is an exploded view the adjustment device in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the adjustment device in FIG. 18 showing abutton biased outwardly in a locked position.

FIG. 20 is a side-sectional view of the adjustment device in FIG. 17along line 20-20 showing the button biased outwardly in the lockedposition.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the assembled adjustment device in FIG. 18showing the button in an actuated position.

FIG. 22 is a representative-sectional view of the adjustment device inFIG. 21 with the button in the actuated position.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative adjustment device.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment device in FIG. 23along line 24-24.

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the adjustment device in FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, an exemplary showerhead system isconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present inventionand is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The exemplaryshowerhead system may include a body support structure having dual armsupport structures, a spray control mode selector located adjacent tothe shower pipe, an adjustment mechanism located adjacent to the showerpipe or any combination of the above. Additionally, the showerheadsystem may include a control mode selector coupled to a plurality ofwater channels that may provide separate spray modes for a singleshowerhead, multiple showerheads, or a combination thereof. Stillanother aspect of the showerhead system may include an adjustment devicecoupling the showerhead system to the shower pipe such that theshowerhead system may pivot in a single direction or in multipledirections. Yet another aspect of the showerhead system may include acontrol mode selector directing the water flow to one or more outlets,where the outlets may be arranged so that their axes lie on a singleplane or multiple planes.

The following paragraphs provide a more detailed description of thepresent invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplaryshowerhead system 10. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the showerheadsystem 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary showerhead system 10 mayinclude a head portion 12 and a body support structure portion 14. Thebody portion 14 is coupled at a first end 16 to the head portion 12 andat a second end 18 to a shower pipe 20 to receive water flow therefrom.The head portion receives the water flow from the body portion todistribute to a user.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the head portion 12 may include anupper shell portion 22, a head assembly 24, and a connecting ring orcover 26. The connecting ring 26 couples the head assembly 24 to theupper shell portion 22. A surface 28 of the head assembly defines aplurality of nozzle configurations 30 for various shower modes.

The upper shell portion 22 may be molded from a lightweight polymericmaterial, such as plastic, or more specifically an AcrylonitrileButadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic or any suitable thermoplastic known tothose in the art. The upper shell portion 22 and the head assembly 24may be made from a plurality of molded pieces adapted to fit together.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper shell portion 22 of the headportion 12 and the head assembly 24 may be connected together using thecover 26. The cover 26 may include grooves 32 that correspond tooutermost edges of flat portions 33 of the upper shell portion 22 andlower shell portion 34. The cover 26 provides for a uniform connectionbetween the upper and the lower shell portions 22, 34 as well as helpsto hold the upper and lower shell portions together.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the head assembly 24 may include anyconventional head assembly that is configured to receive a water flowand distribute it to a user in one of a plurality of different spraymodes. The head assembly 24 may include a fluid connecting inlet port 36to receive the water flow from the body portion 14. The inlet port 36directs the water flow through a water pathway to a specific set ofnozzles 30 to distribute in a specific spray mode or configuration. Morespecifically, the head assembly 24 may include a plurality of inletports 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the head assembly 24 includesfour fluid connecting inlet ports 40 to receive and direct the waterflow.

Referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of nozzle configurations 30 receivethe water flow and distribute the water flow to a user. The headassembly 24 may include four specific nozzle configurations 30. Eachnozzle configuration 30 may be associated with one of the inlet ports40. Additionally, each nozzle configuration 30 distributes the waterflow to a user in a different spray mode.

Again referring to FIG. 2, the body support structure portion 14 mayinclude an upper housing 42 coupled to a lower housing 44, a gasket 46,and a control mode selector 48. The gasket 46 may be coupled between theupper and lower housings 42, 44 to seal and prevent fluid leaks andunwanted noise from occurring via the upper and lower housings 42, 44.The control mode selector 48 may be coupled to the shower pipe 20, asshown in FIG. 1, to receive the water flow therefrom.

In the exemplary embodiment, the upper housing 42 may be rigid and is anupper portion of a first arm support structure 50, a second arm supportstructure 52, and a base portion 54. Likewise, the lower housing 44 maybe rigid and is a mating structure to the upper housing 42. The lowerhousing 44 is a lower portion of the first arm support structure 50, thesecond arm support structure 52, and the base portion 54.

The upper and lower housings 42, 44 are preferably made from a lightweight polymeric material or the like, such as a plastic material ormore specifically an ABS plastic, or any suitable thermoplastic known tothose in the art. The upper and lower housings 42, 44 may be made from aplurality of molded pieces adapted to fit together. Additionally, theupper housing 42 and the upper shell portion 22 may be molded or weldedforming a single piece or they may be separate pieces.

The upper and lower housings 42, 44 may be connected together using anycoupling means including adhesives, welds, and/or fasteners. Whencoupled, the upper and lower housings 42, 44 form the first arm supportstructure 50, the second arm support structure 52, and the base portion54.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second arm supportstructures 50, 52 are elongated stems that extend between the headportion 12 and the base portion 54. The first and second arm supportstructures 50, 52 provide a dual support structure to maintain and holdthe head portion 12 in a fixed position relative to the supportstructure. The elongated stems may be straight, curved, or segmentedstraight portions offset at angles, or any suitable shape.

As shown in FIG. 2, at least one of the first and second arm supportstructures 50, 52 may include at least one fluid channel 56 to transportthe received water flow to at least one valve 40 of the head assembly24. More specifically, each of the first and second arm supportstructures 50, 52 may include a plurality of fluid channels 56. Forexample, the plurality of fluid channels 56 may include a first fluidchannel 58 and a second fluid channel 60.

In one embodiment, the fluid channels 56 may be flexible water hoses orconduits that are seated within molded ribs 66 and/or gussets (notshown) of the first and second arm support structures 50, 52.Alternatively, the fluid channels 56 may be molded and/or weldedchannels formed in the upper and lower housings 42, 44. As best shown inFIG. 2, a first end 62 of each of the fluid channels 56 may be coupledto at least one inlet port 40 of the head assembly 24. A second end 64of each of the fluid channels 46 may be coupled to the control modeselector 48.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base portion 54 may be located at thesecond end 18 of the body support structure portion 14. In the exemplaryembodiment, the base portion 54 has an oblong-like shape; however, thebase portion may incorporate any suitable shape. The base portion alsoincludes an orifice or aperture 70 in which the control mode selector 48resides.

With reference to FIGS. 3-5, a more detailed discussion of the controlmode selector will now be disclosed. In FIG. 3, a perspective view ofthe control mode selector 48 is provided. In FIG. 4 a bottom view of thecontrol mode selector 48 is provided. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of thecontrol mode selector 48.

In the exemplary embodiment, the control mode selector 48 may direct thewater flow to one or more fluid channels 56 for transport to the headassembly 24. As described herein, the control mode selector 48 formspart of the water passage of the water flow from the shower pipe 20 tothe inlet ports 56 of the head assembly 24 for distribution to a user.

Referring the FIGS. 3 and 5, the control mode selector 48 may beconstructed using several elements. The control mode selector 48 mayinclude a fluid distributing assembly 72 and an attachment mechanism 74.The fluid distributing assembly 72 may be coupled to the attachmentmechanism 74. The attachment mechanism 74 may, in turn, coupled to theshower pipe (see FIG. 1).

Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the attachment mechanism 74 may includea pivot ball unit 76 that has a spherical ball shaped portion 78, acoupling portion 80 extending from the ball shaped portion 78, and acollar that may couple the pivot ball unit 76 to the fluid distributingassembly 72. The coupling portion 80 may include a threaded innersurface 82 configured to fixedly couple with the shower pipe 20, whileallowing the showerhead system 10 to pivot on the ball portion 78 of thepivot ball unit 76. When the threaded inner surface 82 of the pivot ballunit 76 is screwed onto the shower pipe, the pivot ball unit 76 receivesthe water flow therefrom. The water flow travels through a water chamber86 that extends a length of the pivot ball unit.

A seal (not shown) may be coupled between the threaded inner surface 82and a shower pipe to prevent leaks from occurring between the showerpipe and the threaded portion 82.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the collar 88 is adjustably coupled tothe ball shaped portion 78. The collar 88 includes a first end 90, asecond end 92, and an aperture 94 that extends from the first end 90 tothe second end 92. As best shown in FIG. 6, an inner surface 96 of theaperture 94 includes an angled friction edge 98 that is located at thefirst end 90 and a threaded surface 100 extends from about the angledfriction edge 98 to the second end 92. The angled friction edge 98remains in contact about a lower sectional 102 of the ball shapedportion 78 of the pivot ball unit 76. The threaded surface 100 couplesto a mating threaded surface 104 of the fluid distributing assembly 72.

After a user pivotally adjusts the collar 88 relative to the pivot ballunit 76 to a desired location and position, the threaded surface 100 ofthe collar 88 is screwed onto the mating threaded surface 82 of thefluid distributing assembly 72. This causes the angled friction edge 98to tightly grip and press the ball shaped portion 78 of the pivot ballunit 76 against a seal 106 and a surface 108 within the fluiddistributing assembly 72 to prevent the pivot ball unit from easilymoving relative to the shower pipe.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the fluid distributing assembly 72receives the water flow from the pivot ball unit 76 and directs thewater flow to at least one of the water channels 56. The fluiddistributing assembly 72 may have a generally cylinder-like shape andmay snuggly fit within the aperture 70 of the base portion 54 of thebody support structure portion 14. The fluid distributing assembly 72includes a distributor housing 110, a distributor spool 112 rotatablycoupled within the distributor housing, an end cap 114, and a controlknob 116 coupled to the distributor spool 112.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 5, the distributor housing 110 maydefine a central recess 120 having an exit port 118 formed through awall of the distributor housing 110 and communicating therewith. Theexit 118 may take the form of a barbed ribbed nozzle. The exit port 118may allow fluid to pass out of the housing and into an attached waterchannel 56. More specifically, the distributor housing 110 may include aplurality of exit ports 122, and each exit port may be designated aspecific spray mode position or nozzle configuration 30. This allows thefluid distributing assembly 72 to direct water flow to one or morenozzle configurations 30. Each spray mode position relates to a specificspray mode that will be used by the head assembly to distribute thewater flow to a user. The end cap 114 fits over an end of thedistributor housing to enclose the recess 120.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the distributor spool 112 may berotatably received in the central recess 120 of the distributor housing110. The distributor spool 112 may have a shape that corresponds to aninterior surface of the central recess 120, but nonetheless is allowedto rotate therein relative to the distributor housing 110. A stem 126extends from the distributor spool 112 and through a central opening 124of the end cap 114. The stem 126 may provide a means of rotating thedistributor spool 112 within the recess 120. The control knob 116 may beattached to the stem 126 extending from the distributor spool 112. Thecontrol knob 116 allows a user to turn the distributor spool 112 withinthe distributor housing 110 to a select spray mode. The distributorspool 112 may also include a plurality of annular seals 127 positionedaround its periphery to protect against water leaking out between thedistributor spool and the distributor housing.

The distributor spool 112 defines a central chamber 128 extendingaxially along its length. The central chamber 128 forms part of a waterflow path extending from the pivot ball unit 76 to a second chamber 130.The second chamber 130 may be formed to extend from the central chamber128 to an outer surface 132 of the distributor spool 112. The secondchamber 130 may be associated with the central chamber 128 through abore 134. A bottom wall 133 of the second chamber in which the bore 134is formed creates a shoulder 136.

Referring FIGS. 5 and 6, a valve seal 138 may be positioned in thesecond chamber 130. The valve seal 138 directs the water flowing throughthe distributing spool 112 into one of the exit ports 118 withoutleaking to an adjacent exit port or into the housing recess 120. Thevalve seal 138 may have cup-shaped with an aperture 140 formed in a baseof the cup. The valve seal 138 may be positioned in the second chamber130 with the cup facing downwardly as shown in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7-10 show the distributor spool 112 and the distributor housing110 of the fluid distributor assembly 72 in cross-sectional views. FIGS.7-10 show the distributor spool 112 and the distributor housing 110 ofthe fluid distributor assembly 72 in cross-sectional views. Morespecifically, FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the control mode selector inFIG. 6 along line 7-7. FIG. 8 is a representative-sectional view of thecontrol mode selector in FIG. 6 with the spool in a different position.FIG. 9 is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selectorin FIG. 6 with the spool in a selected position. FIG. 10 is arepresentative-sectional view of the control mode selector in FIG. 6with the spool in another position.

Shown best in FIGS. 7-10, a spring 142 may be positioned between thebottom wall 133 of the second chamber 130 and a base 143 of thecup-shaped valve seal 138 to bias the valve seal 138 outwardly againstthe inner wall of the distributor housing 110. The valve seal 138 may bemade of a compliant material capable of creating a relatively watertightseal in this scenario.

An annular seal member 148 may be circumferentially positioned around awall of the valve seal 138 to create a seal with the walls of the secondchamber 130 in the distributing spool 112 to reduce leakage of waterinto the recess of the distributor housing 110.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second chamber 112 of the distributor spool 112may be aligned with a specific exit port 118. In this position, thevalve seal 138 may be biased by the spring 142 around the circumferenceof the exit port 118 to form a seal therewith. The engagement of thevalve seal 138 with the inner wall of the distributor housing 110 issufficient to create a water seal, but not so forceful as tosignificantly impede the rotation of the distributor spool 112 withinthe distributor housing. Water can flow through the central chamber 128of the distributor spool 112, into the second chamber 130 of thedistributor spool 112, through the valve seal, and through the exit portof the distributor housing.

As best shown in FIG. 5, an apron structure 152 may be formed on theouter surface of the spool around the second chamber 130. The apronstructure 152 has many purposes. Referring again to FIG. 7, one purposeof the apron structure 152 may be to facilitate a close fit and allowthe distributor spool 112 to sufficiently contact the sidewalls of thecentral recess 120 to support the rotation of the distributor spool 112therein. Now referring to FIG. 9, another purpose of the apron structure152 may be to form spool shoulders on opposing edges of the apron, eachof which engages a corresponding recess shoulder 158 of the distributorhousing 110 to limit the rotation of the distributor spool 112 withinthe housing recess 120 (see FIGS. 7-10).

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the valve seal 138 may be position in aplurality of positions. Referring to FIG. 7, the valve seal 138 may bepositioned adjacent a single exit port 118 of the distributor housing110 as stated above. FIG. 8 illustrates the distributor spool 112reoriented in another position, such that the valve seal may betransitioned from one exit port 118 to another exit port 118. As bestshown in FIG. 9, the valve seal 138 may be positioned partially out ofalignment with a selected port 118 to reduce the water flow through theselected exit port 118. FIG. 10 shows the distributor spool 112reoriented in the housing recess 120 to a position between exit ports118, which directs the water flow out of both exit ports 118.

Referring to FIGS. 11-16, another embodiment of a control mode selector300 is provided. The control mode selector 300 may include similarfeatures and/or functions of the previously mentioned embodiment of thecontrol mode selector 48, unless otherwise stated. FIG. 11 is aperspective view of the alternative embodiment of an assembled controlmode selector 300. FIG. 12 is a side view of the control mode selectorin FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the control mode selector inFIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a portion of the control modeselector in FIG. 12 along line 14-14. FIG. 15 is a sectional view of thecontrol mode selector in FIG. 12 along line 15-15 with a detent pin in aspray mode position. FIG. 16 is a representative-sectional view of thecontrol mode selector in FIG. 12 with the detent pin in a differentspray mode position.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13, the control mode selector 300 may include adetent characteristic to provide for a tactile feel to a user, whichindicates to the user that the control knob has transitioned from onespray mode position to another spray mode position. As shown best inFIG. 13, an end cap 302 may include a plurality of recesses or detents304, such as one for each spray mode position. Referring to FIGS. 13-14,the distributor spool 112 may include a cavity 308 having a spring 310that biases a pin 311 against one of the recesses 304 formed in the endcap 302. In this configuration, the end cap 304 is shown attaching to adistributor housing 312 with one or more screws 314. Any type ofattachment means will do, however.

As a control knob 316 is turned by a user, the distributor spool 306rotates within the distributor housing 312. As the pin 311 leaves onedetent, the spring 310 is depressed into the cavity 308. When the pin311 reaches another detent, the pin 311 may be biased again into aselected detent. This is best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 showsthe plurality of detent positions 304 and the pin 311 in dashed lines,as the pin 311 is biased outwardly in one of the detent positions. FIG.16 shows the pin between detents where the pin is actuated into thedistributor spool.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a valve seal 318 has a differentshape than that shown embodiment while performing the same function ofvalve seal 138. In FIG. 13, the valve seal 318 is oval with a grid ofopenings 320 formed therethrough. An upper surface 320 of the valve seal318 may be curved to match an inner surface 322 of the distributorhousing 312 for a close, sealed fit. The grid of openings 320 found inthe upper surface 322 has three (3) rows of three (3) openings. Whencentered on an exit port 326, such as in FIG. 15, the outer two columnopenings on either end of the valve seal are closed. Water then flowsonly through a portion of the exit port aligned with the valve seal.

In transition from one exit port 326 to the next, the valve seal 318moves through the position shown in FIG. 16. In this position, the outertwo openings on either end of the valve seal are aligned with adjacentoutlet ports and the central two openings are closed by being alignedwith the wall of the housing. This allows some flow of water todifferent modes during the transition between modes. The user can thenidentify when a next mode being selected.

FIGS. 17-22 disclose an alternative attachment mechanism 400 that may besubstituted for the pivot ball unit 76 shown in FIG. 1. Morespecifically, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the adjustment device400. FIG. 18 is an exploded view the adjustment device in FIG. 17. FIG.19 is a side view of the adjustment device in FIG. 17 showing a buttonbiased outwardly in a locked position. FIG. 20 is a side-sectional viewof the adjustment device in FIG. 17 along line 20-20 showing the buttonbiased outwardly in the locked position. FIG. 21 is a side view of theassembled adjustment device in FIG. 17 showing the button in an actuatedposition. FIG. 22 is a representative-sectional view of the adjustmentdevice in FIG. 21. The attachment mechanism 400 of the currentembodiment may be included along with similar features and/or functionsof previously mentioned embodiments of the showerhead system 10, unlessotherwise stated.

Referring to FIGS. 17-18, the adjustment device 400 may include alocking structure 404 and an attaching structure 406 coupled to thelocking structure 404. The attaching structure 406 may also be coupledto a shower pipe. The locking structure 404 may also be coupled to theshowerhead system 10.

Referring again to FIG. 18, the locking structure 404 may include alocking base 408 and a locking swivel 410. The locking base 408 includesa first leg 412 and a second leg 414. The first leg 412 and the secondleg 414 define a generally L-shaped body 411 having a central recess. Anend of each leg 412, 414 of the body 411 defines an aperture. A firstaperture 416 is an inlet aperture, which is arranged to couple with theattaching structure 406 as is described in more detail below. A secondaperture 418 is a button aperture for receiving a button 420 to actuatea locking mechanism 422, also described in more detail below. A thirdrecess 423 may be formed at an intersection of the L-shape forcorrespondingly mating with the locking swivel 410. A first annular setof gear teeth 424 are formed adjacent the button aperture 418. The gearteeth 424 extend axially away from the button aperture 418. An annulargroove 426 may formed around the perimeter of the button aperture 418for receiving a portion of the button 420, described in more detailbelow.

Still referring to FIG. 18, the locking swivel 410 also defines agenerally L-shaped body 428 having a central chamber 430. The lockingswivel may include a first leg 432 and a second leg 434. An end of eachleg 432, 434 of the body 428 defines an aperture. A first aperture 436is the outlet aperture for attaching to a base portion of a showerheadsystem (not shown). A second aperture 438 may be used to anchor a post440 that extends through the central bore 430. A third aperture 439 maybe formed at the intersection of the L-shape for correspondingly matingwith the locking base 408.

As best shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the locking base 408 and the lockingswivel 410 are rotatably engaged with one another about a sealedjuncture 442. The sealed juncture may take the form of a rim 443 on thelocking swivel 410 along with an annular seal structure 444, such as ano-ring. The rim 443 and the o-ring 444 insert into the third aperture439 of the locking base 408 to form the rotatable sealed engagement.

Again referring to FIGS. 18 and 20-22, the post 440 extends into thecentral chamber 430 of the locking swivel 410 and through into thecentral recess 418 of the locking base 408. The post 440 may be attachedto an anchor cap 448 that is anchored to the locking swivel 410 at theanchor aperture 438. The anchor cap 448 encloses the anchor aperture438. The post 440 may be rotatably stable with respect to the lockingswivel 410. As best shown in FIG. 18, a distal end 450 of the post 440,adjacent to and received in the locking base 408, defines at anelongated key slot 452. More specifically, the post 440 may include aplurality of elongated key slots 452.

Still referring to FIGS. 18 and 20-22, a locking ring 454 may beslidingly received on the distal end 450 of the post 440. The lockingring 454 may be generally tubular in shape with a central aperture 456.The locking ring 454 may include at least one key (not shown) extendingradially along an inner surface of the locking ring 454 for insertioninto the elongated key slot on the post 440. This allows the lockingring 454 to slide along the post 440 for the length of the slots 452while rotationally fixing the locking ring 454 relative to the post 440.The locking ring 454 has two diameters. A first diameter 458 at a base459 of the locking ring 454 may be larger than a second diameter 460 ofa stem 462 of the locking ring. At the transition wall between the twodiameters 460, 462, a second annular set of gear teeth 464 may be formedextending axially toward the stem 462.

Referring to FIGS. 18-20, a spring 466 may be positioned around the post440. The spring 466 may engage one end the anchor cap 448 and the base459 of the locking ring 454. The spring 466 may bias the locking ring454 toward the distal end 450 of the post 440. An annular seal member468 may be positioned around the stem 462 of the locking ring 454 tocreate a seal between the stem 462 and an internal wall of the lockingbase 408 into which the stem is received.

Referring to FIGS. 19-22, the button 420 having an axially extending rim470 fits into the button aperture 418 on the locking base 408. The rim470 fits into the annular groove 426 defining the button aperture 418,which allows the button 420 to move axially in the button aperturerelative to the locking base. The stem 462 of the locking ring 454 mayengage an interior side of the button, so that the button and thelocking ring move as one unit.

When the above mentioned units are assembled together, as best shown inFIGS. 20 and 22, the locking ring 454 may be positioned on the post 440adjacent the button aperture 418 in the locking base 408. The spring 466biases the second set of gear teeth 464 into engagement with the firstset of gear teeth 424 on the locking base 408 to rotationally lock thetwo halves of the locking structure 404 together and prohibit anyrotational movement between the locking swivel and the locking base.

Referring to FIG. 22, in order to disengage the sets of gear teeth 424,464 and allow movement between the locking swivel 410 and the lockingbase 408, a user may push the button 420 inwardly into the buttonaperture 418, against the force of the spring 466. This movementdisengages the two sets of gear teeth 424, 464 and allows the lockingswivel 410 to rotate relative to the locking base 408. When the desiredposition is attained, a user disengages the button and the spring biasesthe locking ring along the length of the post so the second set of gearteeth engage the first set of gear teeth and rotationally fix thelocking swivel to the locking base, and thus the orientation of theshowerhead system.

Still referring to FIGS. 18 and 20-22, the attachment structure 406 isused to affix the showerhead system to a shower pipe. The attachmentstructure 406 may include a locking nut 480, a flow adaptor and/orrestrictor 482, and a flow restrictor seal 482. The locking nut 480defines a central cavity 486 with one end treaded for attachment to thelocking base 408.

Again referring to FIGS. 20 and 22, the adapter 482 may be receivedwithin a central cavity 486 of the locking nut 480 above its threadportion 488 and abut against a floor of the central cavity 486. Thisabutment prevents the adapter 482 from existing the locking nut 480 onceattached to a shower pipe. The adapter 482 also includes an aperture 490having a thread portion 492, such that the adapter 482 is coupled to ashower pipe via the thread portion 492 of the aperture 490. The aperture490 may form a water channel that defines part of a water passage forthe water flow to travel from the shower pipe to the showerhead systemthat distributes the water flow for distribution to a user. The adaptermay include a restrictor portion 494 to prevent fluids from reenteringthe shower pipe.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 20, the locking nut 480 will now be discussed.The threaded recess 488 of the locking nut 480 may be received via athreaded portion 500 of the locking base 408 in order to affix thelocking nut 480 to the locking base 408. More specifically, the lockingnut 480 may engage the external threads 500 on the inlet end of thelocking base to secure the locking base to the locking nut and to trapthe flow adapter 482 between the locking nut and the locking base. Thisstructure effectively allows a showerhead system may be easily removedand replaced without removing the flow adapter and/or restrictor 482from a shower pipe.

As best shown in FIG. 18, the flow adapter 482 may also have externalfeatures 506 to mate with corresponding features of the locking base 408to keep the locking base from rotating relative to the shower pipe. Forinstance, the outer surface of the inner end of the flow restrictordefines a series of axial grooves formed around the perimeter of theadapter 482. An interior surface of the inlet end 416 of the lockingbase 408 defines corresponding keys (not shown) to fit in the grooves506 to keep the locking base from rotating with respect to the flowrestrictor. Other structures having the same function are contemplated.

FIGS. 23-25 disclose a second alternative attachment mechanism 600 thatmay be substituted for the attachment mechanism 74. More specifically,FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the adjustment device 600. FIG. 23 is aperspective view of the adjustment device 600. FIG. 24 is across-sectional view of the adjustment device in FIG. 23 along line24-24. FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the adjustment device 600.

Referring to FIGS. 23-25, the attachment mechanism 600 may include apivot ball assembly 602, a retaining ring or collar 604, and a regulatorassembly 606. The pivotal ball assembly 602 and the collar 604 mayinclude similar features and functions of the pivot ball unit 76 and thecollar 88, unless otherwise stated.

Referring to FIGS. 24-25, the pivot ball assembly 602 may include acoupling insert 608 and a pivot ball 610 that receives the couplinginsert 608. As best shown in FIG. 24, a threaded inner surface 612 ofthe coupling insert 608 may be couple with a corresponding threadsurface 614 of a shower pipe 615. The coupling insert may include aplurality of gear teeth 616 that may engage and correspond with aplurality of gear teeth 618 located on an inner surface of the pivotball 610.

Again referring to FIGS. 24-25, the pivot ball may include a sphericalball shaped body 620 that corresponds to a receiving aperture 617 of adistributor housing 619. The distributor housing 619 may include thesimilar features and/or functions as the distributor housing 110 asdescribed above. A seal 622 may be seated between a surface of the pivotball and a surface of the distributor housing in order to provide a sealto prevent water leakage. This pivot ball assembly 602, when compared tothe pivot ball unit 76, uses less material while maintaining all thefunctional benefits of the pivot ball unit 76.

The regulator assembly 606 may include a filter screen 624 and aregulator portion 626. The regulator assembly 606 may include anyconventional regulator assembly that provides the functionalitydescribed above. The filter screen 624 may be a rigid or flexible memberthat separates contaminants and other fine particles out of the waterflow. The filter screen may include a threaded portion that screws intoa corresponding second inner threaded portion of the coupling insert608. The regulator 626 may reside within the filter screen andpositioned between the filter screen and the coupling insert 608. Theregulator control the flow of fluid received a shower pipe.

The collar 604 may include the same and/or similar features as discussedabove for the collar 88. The collar 604 may couple the pivot ballassembly 602 to the distributor housing of a control selector mode (notshown). A seal 630 may be positioned between a surface of the collar 604and the pivot ball assembly 602 in order to provide to prevent waterleakage. The collar may include an adjusting guide that extends from anouter surface of the collar to allow a user to easily tighten or loosenthe collar from a distributor housing.

While specific examples have been described in the specification andillustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing andmatching of features, elements and/or functions between various examplesis expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in theart would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/orfunctions of one example may be incorporated into another example asappropriate, unless described otherwise, above. Moreover, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present disclosure without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the presentdisclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by thedrawings and described in the specification as the best mode presentlycontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the scope of thepresent disclosure will include any embodiments falling within theforegoing description and the appended claims.

1. A showerhead system comprising: a support structure adapted to coupleto a shower pipe to receive water flow therefrom, the support structurecomprising: a first fluid channel; a second fluid channel; and a controlmode selector operatively coupled to the first fluid channel and thesecond fluid channel, the control mode selector configured to transitionbetween a first position to direct water flow to the first fluid channeland a second position to direct water flow to at least the second fluidchannel; and a showerhead coupled to the support structure, theshowerhead configured to receive and distribute the water flow from atleast one of the first and second the fluid channels; wherein thecontrol mode selector is positioned in a base of the support structuredirectly and configured to receive the water flow thereof.
 2. Theshowerhead system of claim 1, wherein the control mode selector isconfigured to simultaneously distribute the water flow to the first andsecond fluid channels.
 3. The showerhead system of claim 1, wherein theshowerhead comprises a plurality of nozzles operatively coupled to thefirst fluid channel.
 4. The showerhead system of claim 1, wherein theshowerhead comprises a plurality of nozzles operatively coupled to thesecond fluid channel.
 5. The showerhead system of claim 1, wherein thesupport structure is configured to be pivotally coupled relative to theshower pipe.
 6. The showerhead system of claim 5, wherein the controlmode selector is further configured to be pivotally coupled to theshower pipe.
 7. The showerhead system of claim 1, wherein the supportstructure further comprises an adjustment device coupled to the showerpipe and configured to adjust the support structure relative to theshower pipe.
 8. The showerhead system of claim 1, wherein the supportstructure comprises at least a first arm stem and a second arm stem,wherein the first arm stem comprises the first fluid channel and thesecond arm stem comprises the second fluid channel.
 9. The showerheadsystem of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises at least afirst arm stem and a second arm stem, wherein at least one of the firstarm stem and the second arm stem include the first fluid channel and thesecond fluid channel.
 10. A showerhead system comprising: a body portioncoupled to a shower pipe and operative to receive water flow therefrom,the body portion comprising: a first support structure coupled to thebody portion and having at least one fluid channel configured to receiveand transport the water flow from the shower pipe; and a second supportstructure coupled to the body portion and having at least one fluidchannel configured to receive and transport the water flow from theshower pipe; and a head portion coupled the first and second supportstructures and operative to receive the water flow from the at least oneof the first or second support structure to distribute to a user. 11.The showerhead system of claim 10, wherein the at least one fluidchannel of the first support structure comprises: a first fluid channelcoupled to the body portion and the head portion, the first fluidchannel operative to transport the water flow to the head portion; and asecond fluid channel coupled to the body portion and the head portion,the second fluid channel operative to transport the water flow to thehead portion.
 12. The showerhead system of claim 11, wherein the bodyportion further comprises a control mode selector operatively coupled tothe shower pipe, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel,the control mode selector configured to selectively switch the waterflow from the shower pipe between the first fluid channel and the secondfluid channel.
 13. The showerhead system of claim 10, wherein the atleast one fluid channel of the second support structure comprises: afirst fluid channel coupled to the body portion and the head portion,the first fluid channel operative to transport the water flow to thehead portion; and a second fluid channel coupled to the body portion andthe head portion, the second fluid channel operative to transport thewater flow to the head portion.
 14. The showerhead system of claim 13,wherein the body portion further comprises a control mode selectoroperatively coupled to the shower pipe, the first fluid channel and thesecond fluid channel, the control mode selector configured to direct thewater flow to at least one of the first support structure and the secondsupport structure.
 15. The showerhead system of claim 14, wherein thecontrol mode selector is configured to be directly coupled to the showerpipe.
 16. The showerhead system of claim 14, wherein the control modeselector is pivotally coupled to the shower pipe in at least onedirection.
 17. The showerhead system of claim 14, further comprisingmeans for pivotally coupling the control mode selector to the showerpipe.
 18. A showerhead system comprising: a head portion configured toreceive water flow to distribute to a user; a support structure coupledto the head portion and configured to receive and transport water flowto the head portion; and an adjustment mechanism coupled to a base ofthe support structure and located adjacent to the shower pipe to providepivotal movement of the support structure in at least one directionrelative to the shower pipe, the adjustment mechanism positively lockingthe support structure in a user-adjusted position.
 19. The showerheadsystem of claim 18, wherein the support structure further comprises: afirst fluid channel coupled to the head portion and the attachmentmechanism and configured to receive the water flow from the attachmentmechanism; a second fluid channel coupled to the head portion and theattachment mechanism and configured to receive the water flow from theattachment mechanism; and a control mode selector operatively coupled tothe first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, the control modeselector configured to transition between a first position associatedwith the first fluid channel and a second position associated with atleast the second fluid channel, wherein the control mode selector isconfigured to direct the water flow based on a selected position. 20.The showerhead system of claim 19, wherein the control mode selector ispositioned in the structure adjacent to the shower pipe.
 21. Theshowerhead system of claim 20, wherein the control mode selector iscoupled to the shower pipe.
 22. The showerhead system of claim 19,wherein the showerhead comprises a plurality of nozzles operativelycoupled to the second fluid channel.
 23. The showerhead system of claim19, wherein the support structure comprises at least a first arm stemand a second arm stem, at least one of the first arm stem and the secondarm stem comprises the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel.